Military Tribunal Frees Former Soldier on Bail Citing Procedural Delays
A former Army soldier convicted of secretly filming women in a military hospital lavatory has been released on bail. The Armed Forces Tribunal made this decision after finding that authorities used delay tactics in finalizing his sentence.
Case Details and Conviction
The case involves More Sandip Sadashiv, a former Havildar with 24 years of service. A court martial in 2025 found him guilty of serious violations. He faced charges under Section 354(c) of the Indian Penal Code for voyeurism.
Evidence showed he used a mobile phone to capture 28 images and videos. These recordings occurred in a lavatory at the Western Command hospital between July 21 and 25, 2022. The court martial sentenced him to one year in prison on November 3, 2025. The punishment also included reduction in rank and dismissal from service.
Legal Technicality Leads to Release
The tribunal highlighted a crucial legal requirement. Under Section 153 of the Army Act, a court-martial sentence needs formal confirmation by higher authorities. Without this confirmation, the sentence remains invalid.
The Army failed to confirm Sadashiv's conviction for over six months. This delay meant he technically remained an accused person in military custody rather than a finalized convict. The situation prevented him from filing a formal appeal against the court's findings.
The tribunal stated clearly that authorities cannot deny statutory rights through delay tactics. They noted Sadashiv had already served nearly half of his one-year sentence while waiting for administrative paperwork.
Defense Arguments and Tribunal's Decision
Defense counsel Rajesh Sehgal presented several arguments for his client. He claimed Sadashiv faced false implication and had suffered significantly. The former soldier had been away from his family for more than two years during the proceedings.
Government representatives acknowledged the delay in confirmation. They assured the tribunal that completion would happen shortly. However, the AFT remained unconvinced by this timeline promise.
The tribunal ordered Sadashiv's immediate release from the 67-Engineer Regiment's custody. They granted bail on surety bonds. This bail will continue until a final decision emerges regarding suspension of his sentence.
Broader Implications
This case puts military justice procedures under scrutiny. It demonstrates how administrative delays can impact legal outcomes. The tribunal's ruling emphasizes that procedural timelines matter significantly in military law.
The former soldier's exemplary service record of 24 years adds complexity to the situation. His clean history contrasted sharply with the serious nature of the charges against him.
Military authorities now face questions about their confirmation processes. The six-month delay created a legal limbo that ultimately led to the accused's release on bail.
